West High School graduates its first class of Warriors

Victoria West graduating seniors Jessica Gonzales and Timothy Gibson laugh as they wave to their friends and family in the stands of Memorial Stadium while walking with their fellow graduates to their seats Saturday night for the first ever Victoria West High School graduation.

Administrators at Victoria West High School chucked up the "W" as they led the first graduating class of Warriors to their commencement ceremony.

As crimson robe after crimson robe passed by their loved ones, their excitement and pride was infectious. The packed stadium stood celebrating the graduates, cheering and holding up signs to honor about 315 graduates.

Principal Debbie Crick praised the graduating class for starting a legacy of excellence at the high school and creating a path of new traditions for generations to follow.

"With all the changes that this group has had in front of them and that they've experienced, they have developed character like none other," Crick said. "This character will carry them to meet all the challenges they have in front of them."

We asked a few graduates what it was about attending a new high school, West High School, that has prepared them for the future.

Here's what they had to say.

"Actually, it's prepared me a lot. All the teachers took time to help after school . and they always did it with smiles."

Jose Acosta, plans to attend the University of Houston-Victoria and study science.

"The transition to get used to something new and go with it . getting used to new areas, new places, new people."

Margarita Villegas, plans to attend International Academy of Design and Technology to study graphic design.

"It's been a little bit stricter this year, but I think it's going to help me going to the Marines, with the dress code and everything."

Alex Vogt, plans to join the Marines.

"It was lots of studying and a lot of work. West has different teachers, separated from different schools . they know how much has changed."

Mariana Acosta, plans to attend Victoria College to study nursing.

"I think it's a smaller school now, so you get more attention. It's a great school and a great staff."

Kyle Motal, plans to attend West State College in Colorado to play football and major in business.

Having "different rules out of nowhere, basically . Just how to deal with different things out of nowhere, being adaptable."

Kyndall Teague, plans to attend the University of Houston-Victoria and study teaching.